Daniel Day Lewis is unquestionably unconventional, which clearly contributes to his ability to pour himself–heart, soul, and sinew–into the roles he chooses to take on. I could spend the rest of my life watching the following four Daniel Day-Lewis films and never grow tired of them.

I’d probably have to get up from time to time to stretch. And, you know, take care of my family.

But those are the only two reasons I’d get up!

(In descending order.)

4. The Last of the Mohicans

If I were rating these four movies based on swoon factor alone, this film adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper’s historical novel would have landed solidly at #1. The chemistry between the ripped, courageous, and sun-bronzed Day-Lewis and the formidable–and classically beautiful–Madeleine Stowe is fiery and undeniable. This was my first experience with Daniel Day-Lewis, and even though there were plenty of things in the fleshly realm to be admired, what hit me like a lightning bolt was the intensity with which he delivered both facial expressions and lines.

“Just stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far. I will find you!”

Stick a fork in me. I’m done.

3. The Age of Innocence

Day-Lewis’s portrayal of the maritally-conflicted Newland Archer in the film adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel about New York society in the 1800′s is deliberate and masterful. Though this character isn’t prone to the wild outbursts of sweaty emotion we saw in The Last of the Mohicans, Day-Lewis manages to make Newland’s inner conflict and angst every bit as intense…with a side of haunting. He artfully balances both the simmering contempt and dutiful devotion he feels for his annoyingly-conventional wife May (played by the exquisite Winona Ryder), and he perfectly conveys the boiling passion he experiences whenever Countess Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer) comes within fifty yards of him.

If you haven’t seen this movie, you have not lived. It gets better every time you watch it. Nuances abound.

“You gave me my first glimpse of a real life. Then you asked me to go on with the false one. No one can endure that.”

Oh, Newland.

2. The Crucible

Though I’d read the Arthur Miller play a couple of times, I’d never seen it performed on stage. I was hesitant to watch the movie several years ago because I sometimes get cranky when movies don’t measure up to literary works…but since Arthur Miller himself had written the screenplay, I popped some popcorn and gave it a shot. The film version of The Crucible turned out to be incredibly stirring and dramatic, due in no small part to Day-Lewis’s (once again) intense portrayal of John Proctor, a farmer in seventeenth-century Massachusetts who was tried, convicted, and hanged during the Salem Witch Trials.

“Hell and Heaven grapple on our backs, and all our old pretenses ripped away. Aye…and God’s icy wind will blow.”

And we won’t even talk about Joan Allen’s performance. That’s a whole post in itself.

1. My Left Foot

Although it was made a few years before, I actually saw this triumph of a movie a few years after I’d seen The Last of the Mohicans.

I won’t even begin to list the things I love about this film. The reason is that this would require me to take you through each and every scene of Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Christy Brown, an Irish man with cerebral palsy who becomes an accomplished writer and artist. His performance is…well, it’s beyond imagination.

His performance earned him the Best Actor Oscar.

The only thing I can tell you is this: Fugghetaboutit. This movie is everything. More. It’s in my top ten movies of all time. It’s splendid.

“Congratulations…to you…and Peter. I’m glad you taught me to speak so I could say that.”

362 Comments and 84 Replies

Denise in Seattle On Thursday, July 28 at 5:18 pm

She just had a very crucial part in last year’s THE BLACK SWAN, as a bitter ballerina moving quickly past her prime, and tailspinning into alcoholism.

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Heide in Ohio On Thursday, July 28 at 5:23 pm

The first movie I ever saw Daniel Day Lewis in, was The Unbearable Lightness of Being in 1988, where he played the role of a successful brain surgeon in Communist Czechoslovakia and a handsome, seductive ladies man. I was mesmerized with him within the first few minutes of the movie. It is my favorite movie that he’s in, but absolutely love all the others mentioned above. I’d love to see him as a ranch hand in a denim shirt and jeans…mmmm! He looks good wearing anything, from any Era. Anyone who loves this yummy actor, should hunker down and watch The Unbearable Lightness of Being…it is a long movie, some might not like certain parts of it, such as the civil unrest that takes place in Prague. His two main women in this movie are Lena Olin and Juliette Binoche. Of course I had to have the movie for myself back then, in VCR form, and also the book, which was written by Milan Kundera in 1984. If you love DDL…you must see this movie, certain parts of it will come back into your mind for long years after, when you least expect it!

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StacyJ On Thursday, July 28 at 5:23 pm

Love, love, love LOTM and your new entertainment section! My repertoire of watched movies is not quite as large as yours so I’m glad to have your trustworthy input one movies I haven’t seen (like the other 3 listed beside LOTM). Now I want to see all of them. And is it just me, or does the lady behind DDL in “My Left Foot” look a lot like the now infamous Susan Boyle?

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Shari On Thursday, July 28 at 5:24 pm

You really are a movie freakazoid aren’t you? The only one of these movies that I’ve seen is The Last of the Mohicans, and that was right after it came out. Isn’t that like 20 years ago? But, I DO remember the line you quoted. It melts me every time. You have inspired me to start watching more movies. Some of them are so old, I might be able to find them in the bargain bins.

ptunia1 On Thursday, July 28 at 5:25 pm

Thank you so much for the new entertainment section. I’ve loved you before…we are now complete kindred souls. At last…someone who understands my besotted passion for a well done movie. Your first choices have been my own…
I’m waiting for your review on Pay It Forward.

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Cherie On Thursday, July 28 at 5:26 pm

Wait! Wait! What about “In the Name of the Father”–that one is my second fave after “The Last of the Mohicans”!

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katyco On Thursday, July 28 at 5:26 pm

I LOVE DDL! Last of the Mohicans is one of my favorites. To me it was one of those movies where everything, the performances, the dialogue, the music and the scenery were perfect. Ree, you should do a Top Ten Lines from the Last of the Mohicans.

Domestic Diva North On Thursday, July 28 at 5:28 pm

I just made DH watch Last of the Mohicans about 3 weeks ago! One of my all-time faves and he had never seen it. Love him and MD together – LOVE. Swoon.
I also love Joan Allen (although have never seen the Crucible) and The Age of Innocence. Love!

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Kelsey W On Thursday, July 28 at 5:33 pm

Several others have mentioned A Room With A View. His character in it is so unlikeable – but that just means that he did a great job! I love that movie. It totally cracks me up!

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Donna On Thursday, July 28 at 5:34 pm

How about as a bleached blond in “My Beautiful Laundrette”?

erica matheson On Thursday, July 28 at 8:25 pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I was reading thru these comments practically having a seizure because My Beautiful Launderette wasn’t mentioned. I fell in love w/ DDL a thousand years ago after watching that. Has anyone mentioned that this man stopped working for a few yrs to learn to be a cobbler?

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Barbara B On Thursday, July 28 at 5:35 pm

I grew up in a mostly Irish Catholic neighborhood and “In The Name of The Father” was raved about in our area upon its release. I give another vote to “Gangs of New York” as he is a truly gifted actor in every scene he appears in.

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Sara On Thursday, July 28 at 5:36 pm

If you have Netflix, you can watch The Age of Innocence instantly online…I’m doing it right now!

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Margie On Thursday, July 28 at 5:37 pm

DDL movies are way too much of whatever they are about for me. Got to be one dissenter, doesn’t there? Great cheek bones, however.

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emily On Thursday, July 28 at 5:39 pm

combining both movie posts, I haven’t seen a single one of these movies. I have a lot of things to add to my Netflix queue!

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dawn s. On Thursday, July 28 at 5:42 pm

Last of the Mohicans for the win! That line you quoted is my all time favorite! Swoon material for sure.

Dawn S. On Friday, July 29 at 6:51 am

and by the way….All of those beautiful waterfall scenes were filmed right here in Beautiful Western North Carolina!

Robin Liberman On Thursday, July 28 at 5:43 pm

I watched The Crucible this morning!!! He is pretty easy on the eyes!!

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Ann S On Thursday, July 28 at 5:44 pm

Last of the Mohicans is one of my favorites! I never remember movie lines, but the one you quoted for this movie has stuck with me. I bought the dvd and my daughter wanted a poster of him after watching

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Jill On Thursday, July 28 at 5:48 pm

Thank you, THANK YOU, for putting The Crucible so high in the ranking. I am in love with his performance in that movie.

Have you seen The Ballad of Jack and Rose? Not sure if it would score in the top, but it’s compelling, his wife wrote it (or maybe directed it– can’t remember–) and it’s fun to watch.

The Last of the Mohicans makes me want to lock myself in a room and have no other existence outside of watching DDL in that movie over and over and over.

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jazz1013 On Thursday, July 28 at 5:50 pm

He was in “A Room with a View” as Cecil and was perfection. It’s my favorite movie of all time.
“The Last of the Mohicans” is another of my favs.
He is a wonderful actor.

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Aja On Thursday, July 28 at 5:50 pm

Oooohh, Last of the Mohicans ALL THE WAY!

I die.

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Cindy15905 On Thursday, July 28 at 5:50 pm

Ree! You are so, so right about the perfect quote from Last of the Mohicans! That line was so powerful in the movie, that when he said it, I literally forgot to breathe. No lie! My sister laughed and laughed when I finally gasped a breath a few moments later. He is/was amazing!

mumsy On Thursday, July 28 at 6:10 pm

(( I met him once … about 10 years ago in Dublin. He is such a nice man!! and just as handsome in person, too! ))

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Tracie On Thursday, July 28 at 5:56 pm

My very first date with my very first boyfriend was to see “The Last of the Mohicans”. I cried when the sister went over the edge after her love had died, and when the officer gave his life to be burned for them to be free. A great date movie, but not for someone sappy like me. Luckily, the guy was such a huge sweetie wiped my tears and kissed me. It was true teenage dreams. *big sigh* To be that young again.

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Lee C On Thursday, July 28 at 6:00 pm

YES! I love Daniel Day-Lewis films. I’ve watched the Last of the Mohicans to the point where I’ve seen the rocks move in a scene near the end of the film. Seriously!

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Paula B. On Thursday, July 28 at 6:06 pm

Agree, agree! An actor par excellence. Movie number three, a personal fave as well. Number four, I probably have you beat for how many times I’ve seen this – let’s just say that I really looked forward to teaching the French and Indian War every year in the eleventh grade curriculum. I liked the rest of the cast in that movie also, they did such a great job with showing the colonial frontier struggle. And the quote that you highlighted was one that would always hit me anew every time I saw this film. (Day-Lewis, swoon.)

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mumsy On Thursday, July 28 at 6:09 pm

Time to work out, think I shall watch Last of The Mohicans whilst I run in place. It is one of my all time favorite running movies.

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Megan A. On Thursday, July 28 at 6:10 pm

I love the line from Last of the Mohicans! Its one of the most romantic movie lines in my opinion. The desperation and confidence is thrilling!

My absolute all time favorite actor. Last of Mohicans is my number one. I still remember sitting in the theater in 1992 next to my new husband and father in law watching that film. Wonderful! Love the music too!

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lilys On Thursday, July 28 at 6:15 pm

Daniel Day-Lewis. His name is poetry.

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Kathy Jones On Thursday, July 28 at 6:17 pm

I would trade out “The Crucible” for “The Unbearable Lightness of Being.”
Number one is truly “My Left Foot.”
Incredible actor.

Yup I agree he definitely a great actor, I also liked him in the Gangs of New York, He was a real Son of a B in that one.

137

Emily On Thursday, July 28 at 6:22 pm

Acckkk.. You left out Gangs of New York! Anywho! We also love his work! He is an amazing actor!

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Baymomma On Thursday, July 28 at 6:27 pm

I LOVE THIS ENTERTAINMENT SECTION!!! You are bringing back some movies that I haven’t thought about in so long. I’m going to have to watch My Left Foot tonight since I’ve never seen it.

The Last of the Mohican’s is one of my all-time favorite movies ever. Madeline Stowe is one of the most beautiful ladies. Love Daniel Day Lewis!

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Sumiko On Thursday, July 28 at 6:32 pm

I have to say that the first year he was in movies that I saw – the parts he played were so different that it blew me away to know it was the same person in those parts. I’m talking about My Beautiful Laundrette and Room with a View. Love both of those movies and the movies and his parts in each were just incredibly different.

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Pat On Thursday, July 28 at 6:38 pm

I totally agree with you. If I see Last of the Mohicans on TV I stop everything and watch it. I love Daniel Day-Lewis and all that he has performed in.

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becky up a hill On Thursday, July 28 at 6:38 pm

Room With a View, one of my faves. He is an amazing actor!

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KyCat On Thursday, July 28 at 6:48 pm

I saw My Left Foot before I saw Last of the Mohicans and apparently missed the Oscars and all the talk that year. When they said that Daniel Day Lewis starred in Last of the Mohicans I thought how odd it was that there were 2 actors with the same name. It was of course tragic that one of them was handicapped but such an actor! THEN I heard that the hunk running through the LotM ads was the same man and I was SPEECHLESS! I really thought that he was handicapped – and I was still amazed by the performance. The fact that that part was acting too was unbelievable!!! I actually still haven’t seen LotM because I was so baffled by the fact that it was the same Daniel Day Lewis. I’ll have to watch it soon.

will you hate mne? i haven’t seen ANY of those! i know, for shame! but i simply adore (in a hate way) him in Gangs of Nerw York:)

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Evelyn On Thursday, July 28 at 6:59 pm

The Age of Innocence….awwwwghhhhhh….I. LOVE. THAT. MOVIE. When he kneels down on the floor and caresses Madame Olenska’s legs and kisses her foot….I can barely contain myself. What a depiction of pent up passion. It kills me every time I see it.
He is a superb actor in every role I’ve ever seen him play. Deserves every accolade he gets. I loved him in Room with a View too even though he played a priss. He’s one of the greats.

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Sam On Thursday, July 28 at 7:03 pm

I’m so loving your new category about movies! I have been a movie buff all my life! Just the reminder of “Last of the Mohicans” makes me swoon! Love DDL!

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Evelyn On Thursday, July 28 at 7:12 pm

The Age of Innocence……awwwwggghhhh. I. LOVE. THAT. MOVIE. When he kneels down and caresses Madame Olenksa’s legs and kisses her foot…..what a memorable depiction of pent up, unfulfilled passion…it kils me every time I see it. He is a superb actor and deserves every accolade he gets. I loved A Room with a View too…he played a prissy man so well….his talent is incredible. I don’t think he’s capable of a bad performance. He’s one of the greats.

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Meg W On Thursday, July 28 at 7:19 pm

Love, love, love this new section. I agree with your DDL movies with the exception of the addition of There Will Be Blood which was great as well.

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Sarah JMHB On Thursday, July 28 at 7:21 pm

LOVE!!! I love this new entertainment section! You have hit my two all-time I-would-be-in-love-with-them-if-they-were-real-and-not-fiction-and-maybe-am-a-little-anyway characters in the last few days: Aragorn and Hawkeye. I know that’s not a very original statement since half of the world would probably agree. But they would agree for a reason!

149

Rachel On Thursday, July 28 at 7:27 pm

I can’t believe you didn’t include “A Room with a View”! One of my favorites. He only plays a supporting role in that movie, but he really supports well. I could watch that one over and over. I concur with “The Last of the Mohicans.” I’ll have to watch the other two. Thanks for the suggestions!

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lyndsey On Thursday, July 28 at 7:33 pm

the unbearable lightness of being….. yes.

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Jane C On Thursday, July 28 at 7:39 pm

The scene in Age of Innocence when he ever..ever….so slowly unbuttons Michelle Pfeiffer’s glove and kisses the inside of her wrist. And as Tomas in Unbearable Lightness of Being, when he looks at a woman and simply says “Take off your clothes”. I die. Absolutely die.

Shaun On Thursday, July 28 at 7:55 pm

I absolutely love DDL, but I don’t think I’ve seen enough of his films to make a top list, BUT he was amazing in My Left Foot. I’ve read that he’s into method acting, so even off-set he would be in the wheelchair scrunched up so much that he broke a few ribs!

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marie On Thursday, July 28 at 8:04 pm

I play the sound track to Last of the Mohicans, over and over, and see him running up that mountain following the deer…

WHooo.

He was so good that I started reading the books–they are a little tricky until one becomes used to the writing style–and delving into the history.

What a fabulous movie that would have been nothing without DDL.

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El Rose On Thursday, July 28 at 8:04 pm

i hate anyone who loves Daniel Day Lewis more than me!

i have to say that Newland Archer was my fav. I must play Ms. Olenska in my next life.

This is second to my Ms. Elizabeth Bennet to Mr. Darcy.

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Monie On Thursday, July 28 at 8:05 pm

One of the most amazing scenes EVER, when he utters those words to her behind the waterfall. My husband and I say ‘Whatever happens, stay alive’ to each other a lot. Powerful stuff.

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Natalie S. On Thursday, July 28 at 8:10 pm

Sad to say, I have no idea who Daniel Day-Lewis is! But based on most of the comments and of course Ree’s post, I guess I need to find out! 4 new movies will be going on my Netflix queue

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Melissa Gardner On Thursday, July 28 at 8:14 pm

I drink your milkshake!!- favorite quote

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Terry H. On Thursday, July 28 at 8:22 pm

After reading all the post there really isn’t much I can add about such a great actor….except. Umm…Oh Daniel!!!!! In case you’re still looking….here I am.

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Berta On Thursday, July 28 at 8:22 pm

The Last of the Mohicans also has an outstanding soundtrack.

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Lori C On Thursday, July 28 at 8:23 pm

No Gangs of New York? Well I just watched LOTM the other night and I held my breath when he utters those lines to Madeline Stowe. If only my hubby would say that to me bare chested,,,a girl can dream!

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Amy S On Thursday, July 28 at 8:24 pm

I love Last of the Mohicans. The movie was filmed here and my husband and brother-in-law were extras with about a nano second appearance in one scene.

Another one of my favs. DDL is quite the hunk in his leather outfit. My fav line in this movie is when just before he jumps down the falls he tells Madeline Stowe . . . . . . . .I will find you. It gets me everytime. I always hope it will end differently, but unfortunately it does not!

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Teri On Thursday, July 28 at 8:28 pm

Last of the Mohicans is my favorite movie!! It doesn’t matter what time of the day or night it is on, where it is at in the movie, or what I am doing. I HAVE to watch it!

Allegra On Thursday, July 28 at 8:29 pm

I am always tempted to shout to my friends “I will find you!” when we are about to head different directions in a store, but I don’t think they would get the reference.

He must have been good in Gangs of New York, because I really didn’t like his character. But I don’t like Mafia movies, and that was an Ur-Mafia movie.

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Lyn H. On Thursday, July 28 at 8:34 pm

One of my all time favorite actors. “My Beautiful Launderette” and “The Incredible Lightness of Being” are great DDL movies too. “Last of the Mohicans”? Most. Romantic. Movie. EVER. He’s running, he’s running, hair flowing behind him, running up some more mountains (never out of breath), the look in his eyes when he talks to Madeline Stowe, more running. I will never get tired of that movie.

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Emily On Thursday, July 28 at 8:43 pm

I don’t know if you will see this post or not, but I wanted to send a thank you for your website. As a young farm-wife your site has helped me conquer Harvest cooking amidst the craziness, and given me something to look forward to reading and perusing everyday. As a woman living out in the sticks on a farm, female companionship sometimes gets left in the dust, as your hurrying getting ready for whatever season it happens to be. Your website has helped fill that void when lunch dates with your friends are just not possible. Thank you so much for all you do!

MaryJo On Thursday, July 28 at 9:10 pm

I love Age Of Innocence. Another great film set in a similar fashion is Dangerous Liaisons.

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Jewelee On Thursday, July 28 at 9:13 pm

Loving the new movie section of the blog.

I’m going to dig out my old VHS and watch Last of the Mohicans again.

Whenever my family goes to the mall or an amusement part or any crowded place someone always blurts out the “No matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far. I will find you!”

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Amber On Thursday, July 28 at 9:13 pm

I agree with every word! I have watched the Age of Innocence so many times, I never tire of it. The unspoken words of that show are the loudest, and you can feel the struggle he has just by looking at his face.

I can’t believe “In the Name of the Father” didn’t make the list. One of the most moving films ever. Pete Postlethwaite and DDL as a feuding father and son who find love and forgiveness is cinematic magic. I’m almost in tears just thinking about the scenes between the two in the movie. Run out and watch it if you haven’t seen it.

A staple line from our family car games of “Name That Movie” was: “I will find you!!” You have to emphasize the word WILL, just like Nathanial.

180

Laurel On Thursday, July 28 at 9:23 pm

I love DDL. While watching Age of Innocence I was by myself and when DDL first came on the screen I sighed (quite loudly I guess) and a couple was sitting beside me – the
girl leaned over to me and said “I get it”

Chelsy On Thursday, July 28 at 9:43 pm

Eric Schweig plays Uncas in The Last of the Mohicans and is pretty dang good, too. In both the appealing and good actor sense. A-hem. He also stars in a wee, wonderful movie called Big Eden. It is not perfect, yet it is. I can watch it over and over again and it still affirms the goodness of humanity to me every single time. Some might call it a fairytale, but such a deeply honest one made with love, about love. Highly recommend it. And you’ll fall hopelessly in love with Pike.

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Shawna On Thursday, July 28 at 9:50 pm

I wonder if you ever see “the unbearable lightness of being” with DDL and Juliette Binoche. It is based on famous “foreign” book by Milan Kundera and it is by far my favorite of his movies. A little racy though so you may just want to watch it with Malboro Man.

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Linda R. On Thursday, July 28 at 9:59 pm

Recently my sister and I had a discussion….what actors could be in a movie that we would go see the movie no matter what. Daniel Day Lewis topped the list. Last of the Mohicans is on my top five movies of all time. The Chemistry between MS and DDL is tangible. Cry cry cry everytime I see the end. You know what I’m talking about!
CHILLING is the only word I can think of for There Will Be Blood. “I drink your milkshake”! My family and I say this all the time!!!!!!!!

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Susan On Thursday, July 28 at 10:02 pm

I knew there was a reason I REALLY liked you

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Jan On Thursday, July 28 at 10:03 pm

Age of Innocence is the BEST! She says (after the quote you noted above), “I’m enduring it . . .” The look on his face when he puts his hand on her glove on the table – omg, my heart flutters EVERY TIME!

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SarahK On Thursday, July 28 at 10:08 pm

“In the Name of the Father” is my favorite. I really liked “The Crucible” but I cannot stand Winona Ryder…she kinda ruins movies for me.
My Left Foot is such a great movie. “The Boxer” is good too and his hair is fab in “Nine”
I could go on all night

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Christie F On Thursday, July 28 at 10:11 pm

I would say, “OH YEAH…” to your words about “Last of the Mohicans”…and that would be enough. However, I am a married woman, and somehow I think that my husband would give me a look as if to say, “Oh yeah?” and roll his eyes in return. (Psst…since I’m from Texas, I’ll just say, “YEP!”, and be done with it. That’s pretty benign, right? I love you, Honey! REALLY! He’s just an actor! HONEY! COME BACK HERE! Aww…Oh, well…He knows he loves the movie, too (for different reasons, of course), so he’ll forgive me.

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LeeNJ On Thursday, July 28 at 10:18 pm

Marioly On Thursday, July 28 at 10:23 pm

I know I’m going to say something sacriligious here but…I’m not a big DDL fan. I do acknowledge, however, that the man is an amazing actor. I’ve just never really been into him. And having said that… I LOVE The Last of the Mohicans and would have also put it as my #1 movie.

Debra Welch On Friday, July 29 at 12:11 am

I’m with ya on these…all a’ these, PW!!
DDL is sublime, superb, and even some more words I can’t find in thee English langooeedge. I may have put these movies in a slightly dif numerical order – like LofM #1 – still, thanks for putting his face forward here as a reminder to his penultimate genius.